At Schoolcraft College we are closely monitoring developments in Lansing as the governor and legislature work to resolve the state’s budget. The avoidance of a shutdown of state services is a positive sign. However, we still do not know what our budget allocation will be for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. As those details emerge we will update our statement.

In the meantime, we remain deeply concerned with the long-term prospects for funding for all of Michigan’s community colleges. At Schoolcraft, our allocation has remained the same for five years, quickly losing ground to inflation. There have also been delayed payments that have had a disruptive effect on our budgeting processes.

We understand that everyone in the state is feeling the pinch as our economy continues to struggle, and that our elected officials face difficult choices. This is why we have maintained open communications between the college and those who represent us in Lansing. By telling the Schoolcraft story, and by providing officials with the information they need to make informed decisions, we are calling attention to Schoolcraft’s role in securing the state’s economic future.

Conway A. Jeffress, Ph.D.
President